On 16 September 2024, at the Aula Ligure of the University of Genoa, an agreement was signed between the University of Genoa (one of the oldest universities in Italy and among the world’s leading institutions on marine and maritime studies), Sparkle (Italy’s leading international services operator and one of the top global players) and the SubOptic Foundation (a philanthropic organization aimed at promoting knowledge of digital infrastructure among global stakeholders).

The purpose of the agreement is to establish a long-term strategic collaboration to develop opportunities in teaching, research, and innovation in the submarine communications sector. The agreement was signed by Federico Delfino, Rector of the University of Genoa; Jayne Stowell, Member of the SubOptic Foundation Board; and Enrico Bagnasco, CEO of Sparkle.

The agreement’s main educational objective is the creation of the Second-Level Master’s Degree in Digital Subsea Infrastructure, one of the first academic specialization programs in the world, focused on submarine fiber-optic cables. The Master’s teaching activities, coordinated by the Department of Naval, Electrical, Electronic and Telecommunications Engineering, will also involve contributions from professionals of Sparkle and other companies in the sector.

The programme will have a strong international focus, supported by SubOptic, an association that brings together global industry stakeholders (i.e., companies that operate, produce, install, and maintain submarine infrastructure), with the goal of training and attracting young talent to the industrial sector.

Read the full article about the signing of the agreement on the University magazine UniGeLife: Accordo tra Sparkle, Università di Genova e SubOptic Foundation per l’istituzione del Master di II livello sui cavi sottomarini in fibra ottica